Meet Alex Heveri | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Heveri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
I firmly believe that pursuing my dreams is worthy of risk. Though I am not willing to shake my foundation, such as risk losing my house, I invested all of my free time and money into starting “Glass in Flight”, my traveling-art exhibit business. So far, I made over 150 huge insects, true to nature, out of steel and glass to make three different exhibits, each one has over 40 sculptures. Some of single butterflies are over five feet and are made from vibrantly colored glass. The year I started making the sculptures for “Glass in Flight”, I finally decided that investing in myself was the best and least risky investment. I believed that pursuing my dream of becoming a nationally shown artist was worth a great deal of risk. For me, the desire of being an artist was so strong that it overshadowed any fear of failure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a diverse artist, working in many mediums. But I make the sculptures for my “Glass in Flight” out of very thick steel and Dalle de verre glass. Dalle de verre glass is one-inch-thick slab glass. Sculpting with steel and Dalle de verre glass sets me apart because the glass is rare and I had never seen it used in sculpture. I love this medium because I love how sunlight ignites my sculptures!
I got to where I am today professionally as an artist by a pure and relentless drive to ongoingly create art. It was not easy. The tools and equipment are expensive. I spent all of my free time and money making art and buying tools and materials. I prefer to make large-scale sculptures, typically around 9 feet high. The steel I use is thick and heavy. To create my art, I built a large studio with a stationary crane and a forklift. I also have industrial welders. Without the right tools, I could not make my art.
I overcame the challenges by an intense passion to make art, perseverance and focus. In Tucson, Arizona, where I live, it is very hot for six months out of the year. I work outdoors and I have to be fully covered to weld. Making my art is hot, heavy and requires a lot of endurance. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. But pure passion keeps me going. One of my favorite feelings is one of accomplishment when a finished sculpture turns out well.
I also work full-time as a criminal defense attorney. Working two jobs at an intense level requires serious focus and time management skills. I had to sacrifice socializing. But many of my friends are working artists at the same level so they understand. We have quick conversations but are always there to help each other out. We also celebrate each other’s successes. Having people who believe in me who I can celebrate success with gives me my greatest joy and meaning.
I want the world to know that following one’s dreams is the most worthwhile pursuit. And I want the world to be inspired by art and nature when viewing my “Glass in Flight” exhibits. They can be seen at different botanical gardens as the exhibits travel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I visit Carlsbad, I take everyone to The Flower Fields. The Flower Fields is a breathtaking venue that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Also, The Flower Fields is showcasing “Glass in Flight 3” through May 2026.
My two favorite restaurants are Vigilucci’s and the Chart House. Vigilucci’s has the best Cioppino you could ever find. And the Chart House, though a chain, offers a spectacular view of the ocean and top customer service.
Aside from The Flower Fields, I prefer to walk up and down and hang at the Carlsbad beaches. Carlsbad beaches are stunning and the walkway that traverses up and down offers different views of the ocean and surfers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend Terri Haag and Michelle Conklin. Terri believed so much in me that she took a photo of one of my sculptures to Michelle Conklin, the Executive Director of Tucson Botanical Garden, and told Michelle that she should let me display an exhibit. Michelle agreed and I set about creating all of the sculptures for Glass in Flight. After seeing my exhibit, Michelle told me about traveling art exhibits as a business model. I also owe a lot of thanks to my great friends John and Joe Benedict. They continue to believe fully in me and my vision. And they have both helped me problem solve along the way.

Website: https://GlassinFlight.com

Image Credits
Lorenzo Cassini
Alex Heveri
Alex Heveri
Lisa Cariello
Naimma Reyes
Alex Heveri
Alex Heveri
Lorenzo Cassini